ST Lite: 1.6-Liter EcoBoost-Powered Focus is Refined, But We Want More

We already know all about Ford's long-awaited and much anticipated Focus ST. It was first shown as a near production-level concept at the Paris auto show in 2010, but we won't get it on the road until mid-2012. While we wait, Ford is offering a trailer for the ST -- an ST Lite, if you will -- in the U.K. It's called the 2012 Ford Focus Zetec S. Where the real ST will use a 250-horsepower, 2.0-liter four, the Zetec S has a 180-horse, 1.6-liter motor. Both come mated to six-speed manual transmissions.

The Focus Zetec S gets bigger wheels and sportier suspension than your regular Focus. But again (and you knew we were going to say this), these chassis modifications aren't as severe as the ST's will be.

And then there's the body kit. Of course styling is a matter of taste, but we can't help but feel the Zetec S additions aren't a great success. The Focus front end was already busy enough -- does it need the extra splitter beards? At the sides, the added visual body mass from the rocker extensions is an anti-sporty fail because it makes the wheels look smaller. They're 17s, but look like 16s. The ST bodywork we've seen at auto shows looks better integrated and just plain better.

It might not be an ST, but this 1.6-liter engine is still a whole lot more stout-hearted than the 2.0-liter, naturally aspirated motor used by the current U.S. Focus. Like the ST engine, it gets the whole EcoBoost hoopla: a low-inertia turbo and twin variable camshaft timing, and 2900 psi direct gasoline injection. That allows high compression without knock, and exact combustion control. Or, as we say in English, more power and better fuel economy.To back up the 180 horsepower at 5700 rpm, it manages to maintain a torque of 177 lb-ft from 1600 rpm up to 5000, and below 4000 on transient overboost it'll actually make 199 lb-ft. Not bad at all for a compact hatch that doesn't pretend to be hard-core sporting. It's enough for 0-62 mph sprint in 7.9 seconds. The 1.6 recently debuted in the Fiesta ST concept, and we wouldn't be surprised if it comes to the U.S. in either a production version of that car or the U.S.-spec Focus at some point.

Because of all that torque, it feels useful on real roads. What it doesn't feel, sadly, is exciting. Yes, it's a smooth motor with a cheeky exhaust back-roar, but it doesn't goad you into charging for the redline. That line is dotted at 6500 rpm and doesn't go unbroken until 7000, yet there's almost no chance you'll know the joy of going that high. Power tails off rapidly around 5700 or so.The sportier chassis (an option on other Focus versions in Europe) brings the usual Focus handling agility and security up another notch. Turn the wheel and the car does exactly what you'd expect, to the exact degree you'd expect. Pitch and roll control are never in doubt, and you'll seldom succumb to understeer.

Another subtle layer of pleasure comes from the way the Focus seems to pivot around your spine rather than about the nose. You get that nose-led feeling on Focus versions where there's a heavier 2.0 engine and the Powershift transmission. Here, the driver is at the center, which is how it should be.

But sadly you don't feel like a component in the machine. There was a wonderful feeling of steering feedback on the previous generation Euro Focus, combined with a willingness to adjust its handing balance at the behest of the throttle. The new car's power steering filters away lot of that feedback, and the handling is so unflappable that it loses out on that final level of involvement.Still, the firm chassis doesn't harm the Focus's ride much. It's a little firmer, but the sharp edges of road bumps are rounded off nicely and suspension and tire noise are remarkably subdued, just like in its archrival the VW Golf.The Focus, like the Golf, feels like a quality piece. All the controls act with well-engineered precision, and the car feels solidly engineered throughout. These are characteristics that make a car satisfying to own every day, even though they can't be measured against the stopwatch and g-meter of a road test.The Zetec S is a very refined everyday car. But we want more. The old European ST and RS, and the Volkswagen GTI, all magnetize an interested driver with rabid involvement. We desperately hope the new ST will carry the tradition. The Zetec S doesn't extinguish that hope, but it does nothing to nourish it.

Too funny - just today I told two friends that I found it odd that the 1.6L is going into the Escape but not the Focus. It yields 33MPG in the Escape, so it would do at least as good as the base engine.

MT - ever think that Ford was trying to offer a more affordable sporty version for the majority of buyers who can't afford an ST? Seems to me that if it ain't aimed at the upper end of the market, it ain't worth talking about it in a positive light, no matter what the make. You really need to understand the demographics of your readers a little closer and try to appeal to all readers, not just the ones that can afford Audis, Lambos and Porsches.

When you look at Ford's British website, you see that they can get the sporty two-door coupe. Nothing like making what could be a sporty-looking car look like a family car by giving it four doors. Europeans prefer sporty two-doors to Americans I guess but it's too bad. They diss us on the Fiesta too with only four doors.

I really like the new Focus. I really don't like the fact that they continue to hold the Focus ST like a carrot in front of us not bringing the thing to market. I also really dislike the reports that the ST will only be available in a manual. I know a lot of people really want a stick, but those aren't the people stuck in rush hour traffic in Houston, Dallas, Detroit (okay maybe not Detroit any more) L.A., or Washington D.C. A lot of people want lots of power without the worn out shifter leg. I am ready to buy a Focus with 200+ h.p. and an automatic. Today!

Had it not been for a Focus ad on the side, I'd have not seen the difference of the front fascia-- that's how subtle it is compared to what it could have been. It's odd Ford is saying the 0-60 is a languishing 7.9 seconds since the standard Focus here puts down a 7.6 run.Also, why is this labeled a four-seater when there's clearly a center belt in the back?

I think your putting the wrong expectations on this car. You should compare it to the SE with sport package instead of the upcoming 2 liter ST or other hot hatches. Then it makes more sense with the handling improvements and what should be better fuel mileage.

I love my 2012 Focus SE, I can't wait to see one that is an improvement to this car. I can't imagine there is a huge difference in MPG, but the fun factor being a little higher is sure an incentive to get excited about. I am truly impressed with what Ford has done with the Focus and I look forward to future offerings.

Ugliest. Tail lights. Ever. The gaping maw flimsy front fascia looks cheap. The Focus design theme has certainly been out-of-focus the last few iterations. Ford needs to decide on a classy look and stick with it.

I had to refresh only once, but.... I think the car looks fine. But yeah, MPG would have been nice to know since that's a main reason they went down in engine size it appears. Better than a GTi? Doubtful, but still a perfectly nice care.

Website seems to be working alright for me...Still no estimates for mpg on this car?? That's a large ommission on their part. It could help balance against the car's less extreme attitude. I assume the ST will fill that role nicely; this seems to be middle-ground. I really just want to know how it does on fuel efficiency compared to a regular 2.0 liter.

Thanks for changing your layout MotorTrend, here's a list of things that don't work anymore:Can't right click the banner to open a new home page in another window or tab.Main article section loads 6 old articles instead of the newest 9.Articles don't load at all, leaving the text and comment areas a void.I had to refresh the home page three times to get this article to show, and once I was here I had to refresh three times to get the article to pop up. Maybe time to fire your flash web designer?